Freewill Vs Fate

[karthik1984]

Very nice explanations by the members. One thing i will say, planets have a large say on our lives, but our duty is to try 100% every time. We just cannot allow planets to eclipse our hard work. So we have to try hard to be successful.

One real life incident i will give here: There's one friend of mine who is more a acquaintance than a close friend. He has MBA degree and also dance is his passion. He often performs dance at college events. At the end of 2nd yr MBA , he got job offer letter from the company . He was thrilled to get the Job. So, he went to meet his close friend to share the good news. After meeting him , he was coming down the stairs , at that time rain was falling , due to the slippery condition he fell down from the stairs. After admitting him to hospital , it was revealed that he has damaged his spinal cord. Life came to a big standstill. His body was paralyzed, he hardly could move his body. He was shell shocked. After taking various treatments , his hands worked normally , but his back and legs could not be cured. So he was bed ridden and highly depressed. Just imagine he got job , he was supposed to join the company. Planets Played the trick. You all will be shocked to know that he is the son of Temple Priest. His father would have wondered unlimited number of times that " why God Punished my son so Brutally" . He would have thought " What wrong i have done....I daily do pooja to you , pray to you but still you have punished my Son" . Such a tragic thing to have happened to the entire family. Meanwhile my friend tried to commit suicide 2 - 3 times , but he was unsuccessful. Later after some considerable time, he thought (May be God gave him the direction) that why should i waste my life like this ??? So he thought he would write story and lyrics for the regional movies . He was a movie buff. So he soon got into writing and impressed many a directors ......So he started earning as he got success through his writing. Members please note that I am not writing complete thing about his success. You people would have wondered , all of a sudden how he got success. He did not get success in a jiffy , first many industry people rejected him, then he improvised his writing, found where his flaws were. Later he became he a good writer and was earning good money. He writes all his writings by laying in the bed itself.

So the above mentioned incident is to prove that Planets plays its role , but we have to try our level best to succeed .

Thank you Guys for reading the above incident. For me , He is Rocky Balboa ...


I want to add one more thing that a Great Astrologer would have predicted the bad incident that had happened to my friend. Olden days , astrologers were Gems, they would have predicted a good thing or a bad thing . Nowadays its impossible for any astrologer to predict such a thing, let it be a good thing or bad thing.


You must be wondering that there is contradiction in my view. Life itself is a big contradiction.....We see paupers becoming Millionaires and Millionaires becoming paupers and various other examples.

My view is when we don't have the luxury to consult a great astrologer, we must accept our problems and Work towards our goals. We cannot brood about the planets and astrology. It kills the time.

[basab14]

Thanks for sharing another nice story with us, Vaglram. Liked it very much.

[VioletTwilight]

Dear Basab,

Even if I have a differing view from you, I see where you are coming from. This isn't an issue resolved between two persons since there are whole schools of philosophy behind this going on for centuries.
I think the simple way of thinking is "cat model" and "monkey model". A cat moves its kitties by holding their neck with its mouth from place to place. Kitties has nothing to do here except to submit to their mother (thinking everything is preordained and there is no "I" ) . A baby monkey would grab on to its mother and the mother monkey will jump from tree to tree. So, a baby monkey must take active role or fall from the top of the tree (thinking each soul has active role in managing its own karma and overcoming planetary dashas/influences - doing things that feel like "death" instead of going along with natural impulse).

I am majorly influenced by Gita and I don't think it will teach us so many yogas (Jnana, Karma, Raja, Bhakti) if we didn't have some to do. The whole point of Gita was about "do" something (as per my limited understanding). If that doing will result in something or other isn't a concern of ours. Will it change our karma or not? Gita wants us to say "who cares?"

As far as I know, nobody gave a final answer on which is the "correct" way to live.
So, keep exploring what feels right to you and keep sharing it.

Best regards,
Violet

[karthik1984]

Basab , Voilet , No response from you regarding my previous post. You people believe in Philosophical stories rather than a real life incident that i have mentioned.

[preeti87]

Everything is predestined. If there is no destiny, no use of astrology.

Good example Karthik1984.

[intstud]

Karthik, that story is both deeply saddening and inspiringly motivational.
Do you know what MD your friend was running when the incident happened?

[vaglram]

Karthik ji, thanks for sharing your friend's experiences. I can imagine what it would have taken to be where he is now. Hats off to him.

My humble personal opinions are here once again. For most part, we (humans) are ready to accept unfortunate events as destiny; but the strength to overcome them as freewill. What I am interested in is - Who gives that strength for a freewill to fight the tide and where does one get it from? Not all get that and there are people who try to escape / just give up and fail. Where lies this difference - if its the nature of person, who gives that nature? Why are some choosen to be born with this nature?

At some point, during your friend's life after that incident, your friend must have gained the courage to turn the unfortunate into something positive for himself and others around him? Why did it happen at that specified timeframe, why didnt a few months earlier or later? Writing should have been a born talent for him which he never realized or nurtured until then, why? Not everyone can get that skill to get into others mind thru writing.

I do consider a portion of freewill that we humans have (while other creatures dont). Well, even in my story about crossing the bridge, I might ask my father to hold my hand for my safety, but its still me who ACTUALLY WALKS and I dont ask to be carried. I might ask him to carry me when its impossible for me to walk, but I actually cross it with my effort - walking. Though I am supported, I STILL NEED to be CAREFUL and not careless assuming I have help in which case my father wouldnt even allow me to start crossing that bridge (I would remain on banks of river until I prove my dad that I am grown enough to balance on the bridge and cross it - a human birth). And when I do slip for my own mistakes or other influences, my father would definitely help. But I need to CHOOSE TO COOPERATE with him to get me out of it and find balance again.

I always think of difference between Duryodhana and Arjuna. Pandavas/Arjuna were all the more powerful than Kauravas/Duryodhan, former capable of killing latter by themselves. While Arjuna, despite being the unconquerable, choose to surrender to Krishna and seek his guidance in winning, Duryodhan believed in his own power. Arjuna did not do it for fear of losing or considering Krishna as shield for him in war. While Arjuna still believed in his capabilities, he surrendered realising Krishna's superior power, while Duryodhan thought about his own. There is a thin line between fear of destiny and surrending to Lord, the same as freewill and ones own power.

Please understand, I never mean to say freewill as a form of ego, its definitely not and I admire people who stand strong. If it sounds that way, that for my lack of skill in rendering it and would be happy to correct.

I explained my thoughts in charioteer example too. Consider life as chariot, soul as rider, planets as horses. While my soul rides on the chariot seeking the destination of liberation, and have Lord/Krishna as the charioteer, I (my soul) still need to be the rider facing ups and downs on the path and being careful not to fall. Being the rider I do have ability to make decisions but a charioteer could make the huge difference (Arjuna/Karna). If let my mind be the charioteer, I will still be circling the same place for my mind has no idea of path to ultimate destination and at times landing in troubles for its not capable of controlling the horses at all times - I might have to end up at wierd places and wonder what led me here.

[vaglram]

The best management lessons could be from the vedas and mere sustainment of this universe. Consider the magnitude of universe and perfect management of it in an orderly fashion without becoming a mess? Now, where do I stand here with my own power?

Comparing universe with a corporate, the real freewill (with abilities to accomplish) will depend on where they stand at a hierarchical level. Where do humans stand in universe? How many levels do we have capable of influencing us? As we move up in hierarchy, freewill and better ability of independence to do things increase, so as responsibility. As we move up the ladder, we see celestials with a greater power than us (but also get curses when skipping responsibility).

Well, now imagine when an employee, say at associate level, happens to gain attention/appreciation of CEO with his good work - how would the associate's immediate boss treat him? The THING HERE is even to get attention of CEO we need to do GOOD WORK. What differentiates realized souls and real successful business men from others are their wisdom in knowing where their capabilities lie (and end) and when they need help.

Thanks for reading all these and if you think I always write lenghty posts, it my planets and higher power as I am easily prone to influence

Thanks everyone.

[vaglram]

Basab , Voilet , No response from you regarding my previous post. You people believe in Philosophical stories rather than a real life incident that i have mentioned.

Basab ji responsded but I never had Violet ji mention abt it

[vaglram]

What strikes me hard is that, we consider failure and unfortunate events to be destiny. But we like to own the success or anything that we consider our strength.

I believe in destiny, but I never cease my efforts. I accept the outcome of my efforts to be destiny, be it positive or needing further attention. I consider my strength for efforts as Lord's blessing.

When one concentrates on the efforts more than outcome, he/she is DESTINED to win. I am one still trying to be good at it.

[basab14]

Hi Karthik,

I read the story you have shared and it is very inspiring. Thank you for sharing it.

[basab14]

That's precisely my point, Preeti.

Everything is predestined. If there is no destiny, no use of astrology.

[basab14]

Hello Violet,

I agree with you that there are two schools of thought, which I remember reading about in one of the old articles of Vaughn Paul. And I agree that this debate has been going on since centuries, and the question still remains as to what the truth is, in respect to this, each one defending their own viewpoint, with very good and convincing logic.

It’s very nice the two examples you have given of the ‘cat model’ and the ‘monkey model’. Coming to Gita, yes, it says all that you have mentioned in your post, but the interesting thing is in the Gita itself Lord Krishna talks about predestined destiny. I would like to quote the lines here from the book, which will make the point clear:

“The Supreme Personality of Godhead said: Time I am, the great destroyer of the worlds, and I have come here to destroy all people. With the exception of you [the Pandavas], all the soldiers here on both side will be slain.” [Bhagavad Gita 11:32]

“Therefore get up. Prepare to fight and win glory. Conquer your enemies and enjoy a flourishing kingdom. They are already put to death by My arrangement, and you, O Savyasaci, can be but an instrument in the fight.” [Bhagavad Gita 11:33]

“Drona, Bhisma, Jayadratha, Karna and the other great warriors have already been destroyed by Me. Therefore, kill them and do not be disturbed. Simply fight, and you will vanquish your enemies in battle.” [Bhagavad Gita 11:34]

Those who believe in free will doesn't give attention to the above quoted lines in the Gita, but those who believes in destiny has their attention only on those lines.

But then, the message of Gita, which you explained in your post, is also very beautiful, and I kind of agree with it, too. I mean, even though I believe in predestined destiny, I love to believe in this very point, which you have made when telling the essence of the GIta. Which is why I am a big admirer of Swami Vivekananda, who preached on free will mostly.

[karthik1984]

Hi Karthik,

I read the story you have shared and it is very inspiring. Thank you for sharing it.

Thanks Basab Destiny is predestined... Exactly as said by you.

[karthik1984]

Good example Karthik1984.

Thanks Preeti

[karthik1984]

Karthik ji, thanks for sharing your friend's experiences. I can imagine what it would have taken to be where he is now. Hats off to him.

My humble personal opinions are here once again. For most part, we (humans) are ready to accept unfortunate events as destiny; but the strength to overcome them as freewill. What I am interested in is - Who gives that strength for a freewill to fight the tide and where does one get it from? Not all get that and there are people who try to escape / just give up and fail. Where lies this difference - if its the nature of person, who gives that nature? Why are some choosen to be born with this nature?

At some point, during your friend's life after that incident, your friend must have gained the courage to turn the unfortunate into something positive for himself and others around him? Why did it happen at that specified timeframe, why didnt a few months earlier or later? Writing should have been a born talent for him which he never realized or nurtured until then, why? Not everyone can get that skill to get into others mind thru writing.

I do consider a portion of freewill that we humans have (while other creatures dont). Well, even in my story about crossing the bridge, I might ask my father to hold my hand for my safety, but its still me who ACTUALLY WALKS and I dont ask to be carried. I might ask him to carry me when its impossible for me to walk, but I actually cross it with my effort - walking. Though I am supported, I STILL NEED to be CAREFUL and not careless assuming I have help in which case my father wouldnt even allow me to start crossing that bridge (I would remain on banks of river until I prove my dad that I am grown enough to balance on the bridge and cross it - a human birth). And when I do slip for my own mistakes or other influences, my father would definitely help. But I need to CHOOSE TO COOPERATE with him to get me out of it and find balance again.

I always think of difference between Duryodhana and Arjuna. Pandavas/Arjuna were all the more powerful than Kauravas/Duryodhan, former capable of killing latter by themselves. While Arjuna, despite being the unconquerable, choose to surrender to Krishna and seek his guidance in winning, Duryodhan believed in his own power. Arjuna did not do it for fear of losing or considering Krishna as shield for him in war. While Arjuna still believed in his capabilities, he surrendered realising Krishna's superior power, while Duryodhan thought about his own. There is a thin line between fear of destiny and surrending to Lord, the same as freewill and ones own power.

Please understand, I never mean to say freewill as a form of ego, its definitely not and I admire people who stand strong. If it sounds that way, that for my lack of skill in rendering it and would be happy to correct.

I explained my thoughts in charioteer example too. Consider life as chariot, soul as rider, planets as horses. While my soul rides on the chariot seeking the destination of liberation, and have Lord/Krishna as the charioteer, I (my soul) still need to be the rider facing ups and downs on the path and being careful not to fall. Being the rider I do have ability to make decisions but a charioteer could make the huge difference (Arjuna/Karna). If let my mind be the charioteer, I will still be circling the same place for my mind has no idea of path to ultimate destination and at times landing in troubles for its not capable of controlling the horses at all times - I might have to end up at weird places and wonder what led me here.

Thanks Valgram for liking the story.. '

yes i agree with you totally . Good example of Arjuna and Lord Krishna.

My view of free will is Suppose God gives us an acre land , and we have to utilize it by all means....Like we can make use of the land for playing ground, or construct a business setup or for vegetable farming. Beyond the acre land , we cannot expect more land to be given. So the Land is Destiny, and free will could be our industrious work on the land.

[basab14]

Welcome Karthik. I am glad you agree with me.

Thanks Basab Destiny is predestined... Exactly as said by you.

[vaglram]

Thanks Valgram for liking the story.. '

yes i agree with you totally. Good example of Arjuna and Lord Krishna.

My view of free will is Suppose God gives us an acre land, and we have to utilize it by all means....Like we can make use of the land for playing ground, or construct a business setup or for vegetable farming. Beyond the acre land , we cannot expect more land to be given. So the Land is Destiny, and free will could be our industrious work on the land.

Totally agree. What makes me wonder is why do we associate destiny with not-so-good and freewill with success. I will stop with this post though. Everyone is right with their own approach.

Humans are gifted with thinking ability and power to execute. We consider this thinking ability as freewill when it leads to success. My point is, even if have ability to think and execute, we require help to make it happen. Thought of doing and ability to do are with us, whereas, deciding the outcome is beyond us. Yes, with an acre land, we could decide what to do even depending on the soil using scientific methods (say, vegetaion for ex). But success depends on rain, getting "good" people to work with you on the land, protection of plants from insects, and so on. We have the ability to decide what could we do with it and actually do it, but success is not in our control. Ideally, one cannot/shouldnt assume that success was possible because of his wise decision and hard work; ours was just part of what was needed to achieve success. Rest is with Lord and destiny/own karmas to help him win.

If we analyze our life events, we will know we are/were always a PART of what led to success in our life. Rest are supportive family, good friends, loyal workers, supportive bosses, right time, right opportunity, good teachers/guidance.....which all I consider as blessings of Lord.

Good example would be Karna in mahabharat. He had same divinity as pandavas, skills, ability, good heart, everything. Was unconquerable because of his armour and earrings. But his destiny was different, starting with own mother abandoning him. He fought till the end, starting with lying to Parashuram to learn. He thought of Duryodhan's hand as one lifting from where he currently was and surrendered to it (using his freewill), but in reality that actually pulled him down further to doom. Other side of coin, pandavas surrendered to Lord. Pandavas never lost their faith in Krishna, even after losing everything in dice game. And indeed they won atlast, thats the power of surrendering. What brings that thought of fighting/surrendering (making right decisions) is also blessing/destiny/result of karmas.

We like to own our success and abilities. We tend to be partial to ourselves and dont like to remain neutral to us in true sense. Life looks like an interesting video game for us with full of suspenses - we are excited to succeed, play with all our energy, enjoy, and we also get upset when we fail. But for God, its like watching a movie again for umpteenth time (The glimpse of which is given by astrology). Its gets easier on us if we understand it.

That said, when we remain true to our skills and concentrate on efforts more than outcome, success will be GIFTED to us. But what gets that power of concentration/hard work is with ones own karmas.

Thoughts? Thanks for opportunity to share. It helps me understand more.

[map]

Vaglramji,

How do we know that surrending is due to freewill? It may be destiny too.

[vaglram]

Vaglramji,

How do we know that surrending is due to freewill? It may be destiny too.

Yep. Agree. The direction that our freewill (thinking) has in this birth carries the influence of our previous births/karmas (and these frame destiny for this life). Our karmas/freewill/destiny will always be aligned - thats what I said perfect management of this universe.

If we could understand and achieve true surrendering of self in one life time, that should be satya yuga and not kali yuga. It takes several births to get in that direction. Hence, our first wish to God in prayers should be to give true bhakti and then our worldly needs, if any. Gradually, we will not have the need for worldly needs as we come under his shelter.

My opinion

[vaglram]

Vaglramji,

How do we know that surrending is due to freewill? It may be destiny too.

I said no more posts but would like to answer the question Karmas/destiny/freewill would always be in a order, wellaligned. There needs to be a pattern/coordination for managing anything (and this universe) and if everyone could act on their freewill without influence, whole universe would be chaotic. Our sacred texts have the best mgt lessons, we will know if we could visualize comparing it with our own daily tasks at work/own business.

I would rather prefer to call freewill as thinking ability. We always have it thru out our life - even in good or bad times. Have you ever wondered why do feel that we lost our mind when we made a certain decision to make things crazy? And, a decision we just made changed our life for the best to happen? Both are based on our freewill. Even the best of minds could get clouded when times are not favorable/repaying our karmas, where do you have "freewill" then?

Nature of this world is to have ups and downs, this applies to Gods and celestials too, Rama - no question, Krishna - had to be seperated from Devaki when born and Yashoda later. Look at Bhishma (a celestial) or even Parashuram, latter had to lose mother. What abt us? What could save us is Lord - ones own ista devata whoever it is.

I can assure you that (with my own experiences and learnings from elders) if we dont forget him during successful times and have true love for him, he will never let us down during bad times even if our mind is clouded and confused enough not to pray or knowing what to ask for. He always knows what is best for us, definitely better than what we know.

World is our examination center. As we keep scoring well, we are trusted and elevated to higher levels with more power and influence. If we fail, sent down for punishment (patala/hell) or do a retest (rebirth). The difficulty of retest depends on what levels we have cleared so far. Nevertheless there would be challenging questions/times - count depending on our previous score. (and moksha - no more tests or exam center, as we have cleared all levels). Its simple.

Keep praying to him for true love for him, he will explain us what does surrending mean. Thats what I said is to have him as charioteer to lead us - even if its about the love for him. He, being the best teacher, will help us clear our exams.

And, pls don't call me ji. Thanks.

[VioletTwilight]

Basab , Voilet , No response from you regarding my previous post. You people believe in Philosophical stories rather than a real life incident that i have mentioned.

Dear karthik1984,

It is not that I don't believe the incident, it is simply that I have nothing to say about it. It is a human interest story about a person's survival and success from the deepest loss. It is great what your friend has done despite his circumstances.

The same chart can carry both a greatest debility and world fame. Stephen Hawkings (famous physicist) comes to mind. His whole body is slowly paralyzed since his 20s, yet he became world famous scientist. One does not take away from the other. There is a song when I was young about Lord Shiva gave great beauty to a flower and wrote its death in 3 days.

Human endurance can be amazing. However, as per basab's argument, even such endurance is provided by planets and such success is also preordained. So, it can be interpreted in both ways.

Best regards,
Violet

[VioletTwilight]

Hello Violet,

I agree with you that there are two schools of thought, which I remember reading about in one of the old articles of Vaughn Paul. And I agree that this debate has been going on since centuries, and the question still remains as to what the truth is, in respect to this, each one defending their own viewpoint, with very good and convincing logic.

It’s very nice the two examples you have given of the ‘cat model’ and the ‘monkey model’. Coming to Gita, yes, it says all that you have mentioned in your post, but the interesting thing is in the Gita itself Lord Krishna talks about predestined destiny. I would like to quote the lines here from the book, which will make the point clear:

“The Supreme Personality of Godhead said: Time I am, the great destroyer of the worlds, and I have come here to destroy all people. With the exception of you [the Pandavas], all the soldiers here on both side will be slain.” [Bhagavad Gita 11:32]

“Therefore get up. Prepare to fight and win glory. Conquer your enemies and enjoy a flourishing kingdom. They are already put to death by My arrangement, and you, O Savyasaci, can be but an instrument in the fight.” [Bhagavad Gita 11:33]

“Drona, Bhisma, Jayadratha, Karna and the other great warriors have already been destroyed by Me. Therefore, kill them and do not be disturbed. Simply fight, and you will vanquish your enemies in battle.” [Bhagavad Gita 11:34]

Those who believe in free will doesn't give attention to the above quoted lines in the Gita, but those who believes in destiny has their attention only on those lines.

But then, the message of Gita, which you explained in your post, is also very beautiful, and I kind of agree with it, too. I mean, even though I believe in predestined destiny, I love to believe in this very point, which you have made when telling the essence of the GIta. Which is why I am a big admirer of Swami Vivekananda, who preached on free will mostly.

Dear basab,

But, do we need Gita to tell us someday we will all die? Gita makes us remember that our soul is eternal and our bodies are like clothes that come and go. It is predestined that we will die. But it is also a truth that nobody has to tell us. The more we learn about the world, the more we know how the great Sun himself will one day die, so does the galaxy and the entire universe. That is predestined, I have no argument there.

Actually, if we manage to remember it every minute of our life we will have no worry about jobs, foods, status, health, family or anything. All we are doing is counting time until our ticket is called, no? The whole point of life is simply how do we spend that waiting time. My understanding is that Gita says,"do something worthwhile", not because if will improve your comfort this life or enhance your next life, but because you are gonna wait here anyway (and come back here anyway).

What I find interesting though, is that why Arjuna need to be "convinced" to fight? If it is predestined, wouldn't he fight whether Lord Krishna says something to him or not?



Best regards,
Violet

[basab14]

Hi Violet,

See for yourself how people believing in free will become blind to matters related to predestined destiny. You read in the lines I have quoted from the Gita that part where Krishna talked about the inevitability of death for each of us, but not that part where Krishna talked about the result of the war, even before it had been been fought that the Pandavas were going to win it.

Let me quote the lines and point out how predestined destiny was talked about in respect to the war of Kurukshetra and not just about that everyone would die one day:

“With the exception of you [the Pandavas], all the soldiers here on both side will be slain.”

How Krishna knew beforehand that the Pandavas would not die in the battle? If there was free will, anything could happen in the war, isn’t it? The Kauravas could survive, and the Pandavas die. But Krishna was very specific about who would live at the end of the war. That is a very clear indication for us to understand that destiny is predestined.

“Therefore get up. Prepare to fight and win glory. Conquer your enemies and enjoy a flourishing kingdom. They are already put to death by My arrangement, and you, O Savyasaci, can be but an instrument in the fight.”

How did Krishna know before the battle had begun that the Pandavas would conquer their enemies and enjoy the kingdom? He says it confidently that the enemies have already been killed by his arrangement and all the effort Arjuna would put in the war would only just make what was already predestined happen, that is, he would just be an instrument in the hands of destiny to make the predestined happen. It’s again a clear indication that everything is predestined.

About Arjuna needing to be convinced to fight, of course, he would have fought anyway, but Krishna, with the excuse of trying to convince Arjuna, why he should fight the battle, preached the greatest spiritual lessons for the benefit of humanity, not just to inspire Arjuna to fight in the war.

Now coming to the point you have made, yes, we all will die one day that is one of the greatest truths of life. But you know, I have thought about it. See if we look at it from one perspective, the one you have shared, yes, we will stop bothering about most of the things that we get bothered about and run after in life, but at the same time when looked at from another perspective, it will make our lives meaningless. We will cease to have a purpose in life. It will kind of get us depressed. That’s what I feel about it.

[VioletTwilight]

Dear basab,

Note that I am not talking about 100% free-will. Lord Krishna did not say "why" he predestined it such a way. They could have created that destiny with their own actions (Kauravas bad karmas and Pandavas good karmas) and Lord Krishna is simply giving results of their actions to them.

It is like smoking cigarettes throughout the life and asking for freewill not to give cancer because there were two days when they didn't smoke, and finally saying cancer was predestined if someone says, "you are going to get cancer".

In any case, I don't have any argument about how you see Gita. Many people see many different things in it.

Personally, I went through such depression about meaninglessness of life, and came out to think that it is our own arrogant attitude to think that our life should have a meaning. Even Lord Krishna himself says:

na me paarthaasti kartavyam trishu lokeshu kinchana
naanavaaptam avaaptavyam varta eva cha karmani // 3.22 //

There is nothing in the three worlds, O Partha, that has to be done by me, or is there anything unattained that should be attained by me, yet, I continue to engage myself in work.

When Lord Himself is bound by Karma, who are we to ask to be free of it?

Best regards,
Violet